You can use the same plants for your privacy screen as you would for your window sill. You can choose from a range of shrubs, trees, and even grasses. If you live in a region where winter is harsh, you can even bring them indoors for the winter. There are also various species of palm trees that can grow to a considerable height. Here are some examples of these plants and their uses.
Evergreens
When considering the types of plants to grow as a privacy screen, you’ll want to consider the amount of maintenance they require. Some trees, such as hedges, require regular pruning. For the most part, however, you can plant a medium-height evergreen tree that doesn’t need nearly as much maintenance. Consider choosing trees with pyramidal or conical shapes to avoid pruning as often. Then, consider the height of the screen you want to create.
Leyland cypress is a fast-growing, dense tree with gray-green, scale-like leaves. This tree grows to about forty feet in height and a width of about twenty feet. It requires a good deal of sun, although it doesn’t mind partial shade. It also grows quickly, so choose an area with good drainage. Regardless of what type of privacy screen you’re going for, it’s important to choose a variety that can grow well in your environment.
Another fast-growing tree that makes an excellent privacy screen is the Pyracantha. This plant grows well in partial shade or full sun and has dark green leaves that contrast beautifully with blue-leafed evergreens. It’s easy to plant a few at a time, and they’re low-maintenance. When growing in a container or fence, they can easily grow to 30 feet in height.
A single row of evergreens is a relatively inexpensive and effective privacy screen. You’ll only spend a fraction of the money of a fence, and the beauty will last for years. Plus, you’ll be planting an area with more wildlife than you can imagine. You can also plant mixed shrubs along the fence line. These will add beauty and habitat to your landscape. This means more privacy for you and your neighbors.
Depending on your space, you may need to plant more than one kind of evergreen to create the desired screen. If you’d like to use the same plant type for both types of screens, consider grouping three or five evergreens for the first row, and the remainder of the plants in between. Evergreens are often the best choice for privacy screens, and by planting two different types of them, you’ll create a resilient barrier against disease and pests.
Trees
The best trees for privacy screens will vary depending on the climate you live in. In zones four to nine, the Carolina Sapphire is an excellent choice. This evergreen tree has long, soft needles that are perfect for a privacy screen and windbreak. They can grow up to 50 feet tall and wide, and require minimal care once planted. This tree is also deer resistant and thrives in most soil types. However, the tree may not thrive in the southernmost areas.
If you are looking for a tall, narrow tree that will create a privacy screen, you should consider the Blue Arrow Juniper. This columnar, upright evergreen has attractive powder-blue foliage. These trees are excellent choices for privacy screens because they can add color to your landscape. In addition, they are very drought-resistant and grow well in sandy soils. These trees are a great choice if you live in a warmer region where drought and salt are a factor.
The best trees for privacy screens are also easy to grow and tolerate most soil conditions. Decide how high you want your privacy screen to be, and then choose a tree that will grow tall enough to block the view, but not so tall that it will block out the sun. The width of mature trees will help you decide how close to plant them in your yard. You can also intersperse deciduous trees to add seasonal interest.
The green giant arborvitae is a fast-growing evergreen tree with a dense, columnar habit. This tree needs to be planted a few feet apart for proper spacing. In the pacific northwest, this tree is perfect for a privacy screen. Its long-lived, fine-feathering needles make it a great choice for privacy screens. It is fast-growing, too, and grows to about 15 feet tall. It can also serve as a hedge, reaching a height of six to ten feet.
Cherry Laurel: A medium-sized tree, Cherry Laurel is ideal for a privacy screen. It blooms with a dense, creamy-white flower in the spring. Cherry Laurel trees grow well in full sun or partial shade, and are cold-hardy to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Its foliage is dense and makes a great privacy screen. A cherry Laurel tree grows quickly, reaching six feet in only three years.
Shrubs
A well-placed hedge can provide an effective privacy screen. Choose a species that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, such as Leyland cypress. This fast-growing shrub is known for its dark green color, which it exhibits all year long. It can also provide a windbreak and looks great almost anywhere. However, it performs best along the perimeter of a property. Listed below are the best shrubs for privacy screen.
Despite being popular, not all shrubs are suitable for privacy screens. For example, some evergreens require a lot of space to grow. The best privacy screen trees are suited for dense plantings and don’t require pruning, deadheading, or fertilizing. They also grow at a height that is above eye level. If you’re not sure which plants are right for your yard, consult a garden professional.
A popular low-maintenance screen tree is the green giant thuja, which grows to an impressive forty-feet tall and fifteen to twenty feet wide. It is a fast grower and grows best in a moist, well-drained soil. In addition to its dense, evergreen foliage, this plant also produces large red berries in the fall. So if privacy is your main goal, consider this fast-growing evergreen.
Besides being highly adaptable, ornamental grasses are great privacy screens. Depending on your space, this plant can grow up to eight feet and is even suitable for container gardens. It requires little pruning to maintain a formal shape, and it can be a medium sized privacy screen or living fence. Its dense, dark green leaves make it a good choice for privacy. While you can plant a variety of euonymus, it is best to purchase them in a large batch to ensure you have enough space for growth.
Evergreen plants are best for privacy screens. They provide year-round protection from wind, noise, and nosy neighbors. Whether you live in a house with an urban environment or a suburban home, evergreen plants provide the protection you need for privacy. Many types of conifers are ideal for privacy screens. Flowering evergreen shrubs are also a good option. As long as the plants grow in a sunny area, they will be a great privacy screen.
Grass
If you want to screen out a view and add beauty to your yard, grass can be a great choice. Many tall ornamental grasses are perfect for privacy screens. These types of grass grow quickly and can replace dead specimens quickly. Some of them can thrive in either full or part shade. Here are some suggestions. Select the type of grass that fits your needs and landscaping style best. You can also incorporate plants for privacy and beauty in a variety of landscapes.
Big bluestem is a popular perennial for use as a privacy screen. Big bluestem reaches a height of 8 feet and spreads outward. This species also retains its color all winter, making it a great choice for larger properties. Big bluestem is tough, deer-resistant, and tolerant of all soil conditions. It is not as dense as other species, but its height will make it ideal for your landscaping needs.
Fountain grass can provide privacy and visual interest to your yard. Native to Eastern Asia, fountain grass is an elegant plant that offers a natural privacy screen and minimal maintenance. Its tall roots allow it to grow in clumps of three to five feet, although some dwarf cultivars are suitable for privacy screens. Fountain grass doesn’t require fertilizer, but you can add it occasionally to boost its growth. This perennial grass requires little maintenance and will thrive all spring and summer.
Feather Reed Grass is another excellent choice for a privacy screen. This sun-loving grass can grow to nearly 11 feet tall and has a beautiful upright appearance. It can be a great privacy screen and will also be drought-tolerant. This is a great choice if you want to cover a large space with a privacy screen. So, what do you do to make a fence or privacy screen that keeps out prying eyes?
